Jeremie Albino’s Our Time in the Sun marks a bold step forward for the Toronto-based singer-songwriter, following the success of his acclaimed Tears You Hide. Albino’s dynamic voice remains at the heart of the album, effortlessly navigating a blend of rock, blues, soul, and folk with an emotional depth that showcases his growing artistry.
With Our Time in the Sun, Albino takes his sound to new heights, aided by the sharp production of Dan Auerbach, who brings his signature punch to the album. The result is an album that feels vibrant and full of star power. The lead single, “Rolling Down the 405,” captures the essence of classic road-trip anthems, mixing the swagger of early ’70s Rolling Stones with a laid-back country-rock vibe that makes it the perfect track for summer drives with the windows down.
Albino delves into soulful territory with tracks like “Baby Ain’t it Cold Outside,” “Our Time in the Sun,” and “I Don’t Mind Waiting,” all of which evoke the timeless sounds of Stax and Chess Records, reminiscent of Otis Redding and Irma Thomas. Yet, Albino and his backing band—featuring former Dap-Kings bassist Thomas Brenneck, drummer Malcolm Catto from The Heliocentrics, and session guitarist Tom Bukovac—infuse these songs with a freshness and energy that keeps them from feeling like mere echoes of the past.
While Albino shines within these familiar genres, Our Time in the Sun really comes alive when he branches out. “Dinner Bell” stands out as a gritty, swampy blues track, where the looseness of the performance offers some of the album’s most enjoyable moments. “Give it to Me One Last Time” starts as a soulful number but evolves into an anthemic, Oasis-inspired chorus with a catchy guitar solo that adds a surprising twist.
The album winds down with “Hold Tight,” a gentle, acoustic love song that provides a quiet, introspective conclusion to the album’s broader emotional scope. At just over two minutes, it’s a subtle yet fitting end to an album that masterfully blends genres and emotions.
With Our Time in the Sun, Jeremie Albino continues to carve his own niche in the music world. His ability to seamlessly blend the realness of country storytelling with the emotional depth of soul and the energy of rock’n’roll makes him a compelling force in contemporary music. From his humble beginnings busking on the streets of Toronto to opening for more prominent acts, Albino has grown into an artist whose songs resonate deeply. With tracks like “Struggling with the Bottle,” “I Don’t Mind Waiting,” and “Give It to Me One Last Time,” his raw, emotional delivery strikes a chord with listeners, confirming his place as a major talent. – Jason Felton